My first thoughts were for a cousin who was in the race and her husband who was a spectator. Quickly learned that she had finished and they were back at their hotel.

Then, of course, just taking it all in and learning how bad it was.

Sadness for the victims, best wishes for the injured, condolences for the families, peace for the people of Boston.

For the vermin who did it, may you get yours. And soon.

I love Boston, was there in November. Sitting in Halifax, I tend to view it as my “capitol city” in many ways; geographically, culturally, and even economically. A friend reminded me of the Christmas tree that Halifax sends down every year in forever thanks for the aid that was given after the Halifax Explosion. I doubt there’s much we can so now to reciprocate, except to send our best wishes and to visit you when we can.